First experiences on characterization of surface oxide films in powder particles by Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES)

The surface characteristics of the powder particles play a key role on the processing of the powders to consolidated products and on the final properties achieved for the material. Characterization of surface oxide films by techniques commonly used such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy provide reliable information on the surface films, but they are time-consuming methods and the analyzed areas are very limited. In this evaluation, the potential of the depth profile analysis by Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES) is experimented for loose powder particles for the first time. Hitherto, the lack of a sample preparation technique has hindered the use of this powerful surface analysis technique for loose powder.